Pre Admission Testing

 I was stressed about this PAT appointment and it did not help when the map we were sent to find the office in the large hospital complex was wrong. Eventually we were sent on a long walk to the correct place.  With Jim’s arm and my cane, I made it!  The staff there took a photo of the incorrect map so they could correct the mistake for others. Once there, we were seen quickly by Lisa, Irene, and Debbie and it was a relief that we could stay in one examination room and the staff rotated in and out.  I had bloodwork, an EKG, and was asked many questions and given answers to many of my questions.  We were given a guidebook and a couple of handouts.  Everyone was very kind and helpful.  

Some medications need to be stopped; others taken even the morning of surgery.  There are detailed instructions for antiseptic wipes to be used the night before surgery to prevent infection.  We were told to launder sheets and pajamas the night before surgery again to prevent infection.  I created a calendar to help me remember some of this and Jim as my “coach” and “support person” will have to help.  

Debbie gave us information about the anesthesia and I have to say that worries me—no feeling in legs for a while after surgery, twilight sleep so that you can’t remember what happens, possible nausea.  I remember a terrible headache after surgery for a ruptured disc in 1985 and Debbie said it was probably due to a leak and it can happen. But if it does, they have medication to help.  I remember how awful that was over the Christmas holiday and hope it won’t happen again.  

I was overwhelmed with information and instructions and thought I would lie awake ruminating.  But God gave me the gift of sleep and I was grateful—restless sleep but that is not unusual.  And plenty of sleep anyway.  Again, this is TMI for my few readers but it is a good record for Jim and me of our lives today.

Now for two more pre-op appointments, one with my primary care practice with Sylvia, the nurse practitioner, and one more with Dr. Culp supposedly to sign papers.  And I do have a few more questions.  

Now my prayers for peace of mind and acceptance that I am doing the right thing.  I had very little pain yesterday so I almost welcome pain to reassure me this is what I need to do.  The deterioration in my hip is not going to get better on its own.  I continue with my “leave of absence” this week which meant Jim went to Grace Notes Choir without me and will go to the Lenten group alone as well.  

———-April 11 I was dismayed when I checked on my portal before going to my primary care provider to get the OK for surgery that my EKG was “abnormal.”  Sylvia, the very dear nurse practitioner I saw, said that was not uncommon but at my age I should have it checked out by a cardiologist.  I spent an hour trying to get an appointment with someone but the cardiologist I had seen a few years ago could not take me until August as a new patient again.  Another call to a practice Sylvia recommended was frustrating and I really wonder if I was talking to someone in a call center.  I left a message for Michelle, the scheduler for Dr. Culp, to say I had problems and she called back and said she would get me an appointment with someone they use next week.  I am thankful that I am not in much pain at all lately.  Maybe this all means I should not have surgery.  I can be glad that if there are heart problems, we can deal with them.  But it has all been very unsettling and anxiety producing this afternoon.